It is awesome to see a man, woman, or child speak out in their humility. Being humble is a characteristic in people that is hard to find, especially when it comes to our faith. It is very hard to admit that we are wrong or that we have sinned. However, when we do so and admit our faults one to another, the weightiness of our sins gets much lighter. And even more so when we confess our sins to the Lord, our God, for forgiveness and mercy. It was Paul who did just that. He said, “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:1-3) There was something inside of him that caused him to mourn and cry out to God. Paul, the apostle, even thought that he should be accursed by Jesus, and his people, because of what he has done in the flesh. This takes courage to say such things. It is my prayer that when Paul was saying this that people came round about him and comforted him. Even leading him to pray and ask God for forgiveness. And speaking of God’s mercy, Paul said, “what shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9:14-16) Surely, God knows who is deserving of his mercy in this life, even if we don’t think so.
Paul also taught the following about God. He said, “therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. (Romans 9:18-23) People that complain about others and God finding fault in them are not saved. These people need to open their hearts to not only counsel from people, but God, in order to find the salvation that the Lord has prepared for them. God is the most powerful of all and His wrath is upon every wicked person who has ever walked this earth. Their destination is ultimately destruction in the lake of fire. However, those that God calls righteous are those who do the will of the Father. These are those who hear His voice and do what He says. They love counsel, for they can always improve their walk with God daily. That is why the riches of God’s glory and mercy are for them. So repent, if you have not already, and start living for God each day, if you desire God’s mercy and forgiveness. His hands of mercy are for you. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will learn to do Your will above all things. There are so many distractions in this life, but the times that we resist temptation and do Your will instead, there is so much more joy to be had. Even a happiness that does not end or last for a moment. Surely, the things we can do for You, Father, and Your kingdom has no end. But when we continue to do things that bring our flesh joy it is always temporary. We are always looking for something better, in order to be fulfilled once again. Many addictions and bad habits are like this, but the day that You take away those things from our lives, there is such a huge relief. It is like our burdens have been lifted and I am a new person. I have a greater willpower to resist temptation and also to live in right standing with You. Thank You. I thank You also for the humility You give me. For I know that I am far from perfect. I fall short all the time and hate it when I do. It is like I have hurt You over and over again, which I am so sorry about God. You know exactly what eats away at my flesh and causes me to fall. But Lord, I pray that You will do something, in order for these things to no longer have power over me. I know that when I am abiding in Your presence, while in prayer, Bible study, and worship, that I am free from any temptation. So, Lord, I know where my safe place is, and that is in Your presence. Keep me ever with You. And when the enemy strikes again, come and take those bullets for me. Build me up in Your strength. Help me to not walk in willful sin, but to run from it at all costs. Yes, God, I do run from even the appearance of sin and into Your majestic arms of mercy. I love You, Lord. I praise Your holy Name. Amen.
